Actress, Civil-Rights Activist Ruby Dee Is Dead at 91

'Raisin in the Sun' Star Helped Break Race Barriers

Ruby Dee, an award-winning actress and civil-rights activist who helped pave the way for other African-American stars of the stage and screen, died in New Rochelle, N.Y., late Wednesday. She was 91.

Born Ruby Ann Wallace in Cleveland on Oct. 27, 1922, Ms. Dee became a pioneering actress at a time when few black women were being considered for leading film and stage roles. She was married to actor Ossie Davis, who died in 2005.